Guidelines & Project Requests

The Office of Creative Services Publication Guidelines

The guidelines set here are designed to help you and the Office of Creative Services effectively work together to maintain a high standard of quality for Tarleton publications. Creative Services reserves the right to deny a project based on the Project Request Form and copy not being received.

Creative Services will see through the completion of all projects with you, coordinate communications with vendors and make sure a finalized project meets the highest possible standard of quality.

The best time to contact us about a print or electronic publication is as soon as you’ve decided that you need one, regardless of how far in the future. Planning early allows us to work your project into our production schedule.

Procedure

No project will be started without a Project Request Form, which can be located at the top of this page. Once your request has been received, you will be contacted by the Office of Creative Services to discuss your project. Please allow proper time for the project’s completion (see Planning a Schedule below). This includes design time, proofing stages, printing and extra services.

Planning a Schedule

Please contact us at least six (6) weeks before you need your project in-hand. This allows for at least two weeks for design, two weeks for proofing and two weeks for printing.

If you require the Office of Creative Services to gather photographs or graphics for your project, please begin the process at least eight (8) in advance of your in-hand deadline. Inadequate planning can result in poor quality projects as well as the denial of a project by the Office of Creative Services.

Please allow additional time if the nature of the project is complicated, or if it requires additional services such as mailing. This will assure timely delivery.

Please make sure the project is approved and that properdepartmental funds are allocated before a project is requested.

Production Schedule

Once you have requested a project, Creative Services will develop a Production Schedule for your project. The schedule will include project specifications, and design, proof and print deadlines, which will be shared with you and the graphic designer. Click for a sample of a 6-week production schedule or an 8-week production schedule.

Preparing Copy and Proofreading

No copy will be accepted in writing, only in electronic format.

Do not submit copy formatted with tabs, indents or double spaces after periods. This adds to production time, as they need to be removed before being placed into a project.

The person or office initiating the project bears the primary responsibility of proofreading. Please have all copy proofread and corrected before it comes to the Office of Creative Services. Please try to keep alterations to a minimum, as this adds time to the production process.

Use of Artwork and Submitting Photos

The Office of Creative Services maintains responsibility for all design and photo editing. Photos may be requested for use in publications, but if the Office of Creative Services determines that a submitted photo is of poor quality, or does not fit in with the design, the photo may be rejected and a substitution offered.

Contact

If you have any questions about a project, feel free to contact Creative Services Manager Alyson Chapman at (254) 968-9404 or e-mail achapman@tarleton.edu